Workpower recognised for excellence in developing a high-performing and diverse workforce
Employment services company, Workpower was recognised for its leadership and development programs when it was presented the People Development Award, sponsored by Chevron Australia, at the 2024 Western Australian Seafood Industry Awards.
The Awards event, recognising excellence in the WA seafood industry, was held at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and opened by Minister for Fisheries Hon Don Punch MLA in front of a large audience of industry participants and seafood representatives.
Workpower, the largest Craypot Manufacturer in the Mid-West, employs over 21 staff with disabilities alongside seven support staff in Geraldton, crafting top-quality cray pots. With extensive experience, some team members have been shaping cray pots for over 20 years, ensuring a level of expertise unmatched in the industry.
Led by a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, Workpower’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities, fostering a culture of pride and precision in every cray pot produced. Their dedication to quality craftsmanship and social responsibility cements their position as a leader in the craypot manufacturing industry in Western Australia.
“Our mission at Workpower is to empower individuals with disabilities by providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence,” said Alex Growden, General Manager of Workpower.
“We take great pride in our role as the largest Craypot Manufacturer in the Mid-West, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in every cray pot we produce.
“We are incredibly proud of our team and the exceptional work they do every day. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence are the driving forces behind our success as a leading craypot manufacturer in Western Australia,” added Mr Growden.
With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, continuous improvement, and social responsibility, Workpower has remained dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential while delivering outstanding products and services to customers across the region.
WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) CEO, Darryl Hockey said Workpower had demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking a people development activity that has contributed substantially towards a higher performing workforce for the seafood industry.
“As an industry body, we recognise the importance of acknowledging those individuals and organisations who make a substantial contribution to benefiting our industry, and Workpower are certainly a worthy recipient of this award,” Mr Hockey concluded.
About the Awards Event
The event is supported by a number of partners including;
- Wester Rock Lobster (Gold event partner), Taylor Marine (Gold event partner), Sunderland Marine (Silver event partner), Fins Seafood (Silver event partner), as well as partners for each of the individual awards, including Aquarius Lawyers, Austral Fisheries, Baker Refrigeration, Bendotti Exporters/WA Chip, Chevron Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Endeavour Foods, Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC), Francis A Jones, MG Kailis Group, Sea Harvest Australia, Ward Packaging, Woodside Energy and Western Rock Lobster.
- Award event attendees enjoyed an array of fresh, local and sustainably caught Western Australian seafood prepared by celebrity chefs and kindly donated by sponsors including; Albany Sardines, Archipelago Octopus, Austral Fisheries, Bellbuoy Seafoods, Bowithick, Brown Dog Fishing Co, Endeavour Foods, Esperance Seafoods, Fins Seafood, Fremantle Octopus, Fremantle Seaweed, Huon, Leeuwin Coast, Lobster Shack, Ocean Wild Tuna, Paspaley, Rare Foods Australia, Sabea Fishing Co, Seafresh, Sea Harvest Australia, Shark Bay Cockles, Two Rocks Tentacles, Bendotti Exporters/WA Chip, Westmore Seafoods & Wollaston Fish & Chips all served in compostable packaging provided by Ward Packaging.
- Highly regarded “celebrity”’ seafood chefs cooked at the event including; Brad Adams (Rare Foods Australia – Producer Chef), Liam Atkinson (Le Rebelle & Bar Rogue), Damien Bell (Bellbuoy Seafoods – Producer Chef), Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker), Steven Finch (Indigo Oscar), Neil Forbes (Black Pearl Oyster Shucking), Danny Matthews (The Seasonal Brewing Co), Leigh Nash (Norfolk Hotel), Leigh Power (Shui Subiaco), Navarre Top (Double Rainbow Eating House), Sam Vial (Wollaston Fish & Chips) and Chase Weber (Gorilla BBQ & Consultant to Kaarla Restaurant – Singapore) prepared an array of delicious food at the event.
- The event was held on Friday 3 May, 2024 at Fremantle’s Esplanade Hotel with Karl Langdon (Former West Coast Eagle and 6PR Radio presenter) who played the role of Master of Ceremonies.